Town of Franklin 2025 Master Plan: Key Issues and Opportunities - Part 8 of 8 - Sustainability

Sustainability

ISSUES

Climate Change

The effects of climate present serious challenges to the Town of Franklin, prompting the need for policies and programs to improve the resiliency of our community. The Commonwealth has recognized these impacts and has adopted a goal to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

Current practices in the community continue to contribute to increasing greenhouse gas emissions, such as auto-oriented development and the widespread use of fossil fuels in the town’s facilities and vehicles. Fortunately, the causes of climate change are well documented, and our community can take immediate actions to mitigate the effects in the Town of Franklin.

OPPORTUNITIES

Improving Resiliency to Climate Change

We should work towards implementing the Town’s Green Community Designation goals and secure additional funding for sustainable programming, education, and infrastructure development. This will help maintain the designation and strive to make Franklin a Climate Leader.

We can access resources to assist in converting buildings, vehicles and equipment to more sustainable operations, aiming for efficiency, reduced emissions, and lower costs. To support these efforts, the Town of Franklin should prioritize the procurement of clean, renewable energy resources in New England.

Massachusetts continues to prioritize the Municipal Vulnerability Program (MVP), offering resources to implement the actions identified in the joint Bellingham and Franklin MVP program and the Town’s 2020 Hazard Mitigation Plan, while also improving resiliency to climate change.

We should collaborate with local farmers to establish a connection between local food production and the Town, increasing public engagement in local food culture and production. Partnering with local farmers and experts to incorporate permaculture techniques into Town’s design standards is also key.

By implementing additional stormwater management and MS4 practices, Franklin can qualify for more funding opportunities while protecting the Town’s water supply.

We also need to improve efforts to more effectively engage the public regarding practices and resources available to more efficiently manage water issues, excess waste and climate change could be improved.

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Continue reading this Master Plan section in PDF format

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1gtnxpyp39SnfKinQcUlp2U7M1Sas3cdB/view?usp=drive_link

Complete 2025 Master Plan report

https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4018/Final-Report

Town of Franklin Master Plans (prior years)

https://www.franklinma.gov/295/Master-Plan

FHS hockey boosters at Farmers Market Friday, fund raising at George's Pizza

via FHS Hockey Boosters

"Join us this week at the Farmers Market!

Bring the kids to meet some of the players and try their hand at mini sticks!

Then head over to George’s Pizza for lunch or dinner. A portion of the sales will go directly to support the team!

Thanks for supporting our players. We hope to see you there! "

Shared from - https://www.instagram.com/p/DeaO8WlAzUX/

Greater Franklin Node Meeting, Thursday, October 15, 7 PM

Hey, Greater Franklin Node members!

Our 350 Mass Franklin Node meeting will be held tomorrow night, October 15th, from 7-9 p.m.  This will be a Zoom only meeting, link below:

Meeting Zoom link:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81930304274?pwd=Tm9VdGxYcDFaVTVDUkwyT3YvUnlFdz09

Meeting ID: 819 3030 4274 Passcode: 350ma

Dial-in +1 646 876 9923

Agenda Topics to include:

• Report on Jeff Roy meeting from Friday, Oct 9 with update on Conference Committee
• No Kings legislative tool kit for Oct 17th actions to spread outreach in Climate Weekly newsletter
• Early voting starts Saturday, Oct 17, runs until October 30
• Movies soon to be released: Musk and NAGA

350 Mass Action: donations to candidates still very helpful to counter the flood of GOP PAC/Musk/Dark Money

See you Tomorrow night!

With gratitude,

Carolyn, Rand and Steve

2026 Local Vibe Music Awards Celebrates the Best of Local Music in Milford

Local music took center stage on Sunday, October 4th, as Raydio hosted the 2026 Local Vibe Music Awards at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Milford, bringing together musicians, bands, venues, music fans, and supporters for an afternoon dedicated to celebrating the area's vibrant local music scene.

The free event, open to the public, featured 25 awards and 10 live musical performances, recognizing the incredible talent, dedication, and passion that keep local music alive and thriving throughout the region.

The afternoon featured performances by Captain and the Stubings, Driftwood, Roadhouse Strangers, Coffeehouse Squirrels, Fourth Year, The Bitter Hearts, Dan Rice, Box Groove, The Pub Kings, and Project Alice.

What makes the Local Vibe Music Awards special is that the winners are chosen by the fans. Rather than relying on a panel of judges or industry professionals, the awards give local music supporters the opportunity to vote for their favorite bands, musicians, performers, venues, and others who contribute to the local music community.

Among the special honors presented was the inaugural Local Vibe Headliner Award, awarded to Project Alice. Tony Soul was recognized as a Local Legend, while other special recognition awards celebrated the fans and personalities who make the local music scene so special.

But beyond the trophies and performances, the afternoon was about something bigger: community.

"Local music is about so much more than what happens on stage," said Ray Auger, founder of Raydio and The Local Vibe. "It's about the musicians who put their hearts into every performance, the venues that give them a place to play, and the fans who show up week after week to support them. This event was our way of bringing everyone together and saying thank you. Seeing so many people come together to celebrate local music is exactly why we do this."

The event was made possible through the generosity of local businesses and sponsors who share Raydio's commitment to supporting the community. Their contributions helped make the celebration free and accessible to local music fans.

Special thanks also go to Franklin TV, which recorded the event for an upcoming presentation on its YouTube channel, and Tim Rice Photo, whose photography captured the performances, award presentations, and memorable moments throughout the afternoon. Photos from the event are already available.

The Local Vibe Music Awards are an extension of Raydio's ongoing commitment to showcasing local talent through Raydio's Local Vibe, a resource connecting audiences with live music, local performers, and venues throughout the region.

"These musicians are our friends, our neighbors, and the people who help make our communities special," added Auger. "They deserve to be recognized, celebrated, and supported. If this event inspires even a few more people to get out and see a local band, then we've accomplished something pretty special."

Raydio looks forward to continuing its support of the local music community and building on the success of this year's celebration.

About Raydio

Raydio is a locally owned and operated internet radio station serving Milford, Massachusetts, and surrounding communities. Featuring upbeat music, local personalities, community news, events, local sports updates, and specialty programming, Raydio is committed to keeping listeners connected to the people, places, and happenings that make the area special.

Raydio – Click. Listen. Smile.

Listen online at www.localraydio.com or download the free Local Raydio app.

The Bad Apples scheduled to perform at the Franklin Farmers Market, Friday, Oct 16

Live music at the market this Friday!

We’re excited to have The Bad Apples joining us on Oct 16 from 3–6 PM! Come spend the afternoon at the market, shop from your favorite local vendors, grab something to eat, and enjoy some live music from The Bad Apples.

This performance is sponsored by the @franklinculturalcouncil02038 and the @masscultural

See you Friday!

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#outdoorconcerts #freshveggies #familyfuntime #freeconcert #eatfresh #farmersmarketseason #farmtotable #farmersmarketlove #buyfrankfresh #shoplocalma #farmersmarketfun #franklinma #buylocalma

Massachusetts’ Indivisible Groups celebrate the nation-wide NO KINGS Day October 17, 2026, to focus on local VOTE EARLY Events!

Massachusetts sounded the alarm 250 years ago that the British were coming and when patriots fought for their independence from the King, they set the stage for the democracy we are working hard to hold on to today. On October 17, 2026, thousands of people will gather in towns across the state to rally their fellow citizens with the message: Your Vote is Your Power – Make it Count and Vote Early!

On October17, with the high-stakes mid-term elections upcoming, No Kings Day will differ from previous events. There will not be huge rallies in Boston or other major cities, but instead will focus on thousands of local NO KINGS – VOTE EARLY events. These are nonpartisan, pro democracy, anti-fascism, civic engagement efforts for a massive early voter turnout. They will exclude elected officials who are also candidates for office, and will also exclude candidate signs and partisan politicking of any kind. 

In Massachusetts, NO KINGS – VOTE EARLY activities will take place on town greens and other public places across the state on October 17, with a mix of creative vote-focused signs, songs, sidewalk chalk, performances, and nonpartisan voter information handouts. Over 120 rallies are planned in towns from Williamstown to Worcester, New Bedford to Newburyport, and many in between.  See the map here for events planned throughout Massachusetts on October 17.

The list of events with details (evolving) – is here. 

Expect different creative NO KINGS – VOTE EARLY events. For example, in Allston/Brighton, the Grassroots Neighborhood Action Team (GNAT) “will celebrate the opening of early voting in our state and flex our community organizing muscles by ensuring eligible voters know it is time to early vote!” Participants will meet at Union Square between 10-12 where there will be voter information handouts as well as refreshments, sidewalk chalk, and bubbles. Attendees are urged to bring non-partisan voting-focused signs.

Boston Indivisible members will be on hand at the Boston Common with voter information handouts. Mass 50501 will host an “Authoritarian House of Horrors” outside the Boston Common Visitors Center from 11-3 and soapbox speeches from ghosts of activism’s past “to remind us that We the People of these United States have stood up for our rights time and time again and we are once again rising to meet this pivotal moment in American history!”

See the map here of nationwide October 17 No Kings – Vote Early events. 

ABOUT INDIVISIBLE MASSACHUSETTS COALITION 

Indivisible Mass Coalition (IMC) is an all volunteer statewide organization that supports the work of more than 130 Indivisible groups and allies across Massachusetts to fight for a democracy that works for everyone. Indivisibles support policies and legislation that increase equity and justice for everyone.

Learn more at https://indivisible-ma.org/

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm Schedule for Thursday, October 15, 2026

Yes, Franklin has it's own radio station -> wfpr.fm. Franklin Public Radio has a brand new schedule for the locally produced shows that fill our air waves. 

It is available anywhere, anytime at wfpr.fm or in the local Franklin, MA area at 102.9 on the FM dial.

Tune in to listen to the following:

8:00 AM, 1:00 PM, and 6:00 PM - Franklin Matters Radio – Steve Sherlock covering Franklin, its local government, services, and events  (Repeats Saturday at 3:00 PM)

 

9:00 AM, 2:00 PM, and 7:00 PM - first hour

10:00 AM, 3:00 PM, and 8:00 PM - second hour

Turntable – "Enjoy a fun experience with co-hosts The Vibe and Pauly G sharing personal discussions about a featured rock n roll vinyl record (1st hour) and the best, all music Vibe Playlist (2nd hour)"  

• The Turntable Show Album Hour features "Parachutes" from Coldplay.   
• The Vibe Playlist Hour delivers Coldplay music and amazing performances LIVE for Turntable listeners to experience real Coldplay.  Enjoy!

Find the playlist ->  https://tinyurl.com/TurntablePlaylists

Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online  http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf 

Franklin TV schedule for Thursday, Oct 15, 2026

• Franklin All Access TV - Our Public Access Channel (Comcast 6, Verizon 26) = Thursday

9:00 am Aging Agenda: Arthur Vigeant

10:00 am Franklin Matters: Kitchen Center

11:33 am Cooking Thyme: Candy Apples

12:03 pm Brook'n'Cookin: Scones

12:35 pm Learn to Cook with Linda: Brunch Bake

1:30 pm     Pizzapalooza: White Pizza

2:00 pm New England Candlepins Summer 2023 Show 3

3:00 pm Candlepin New Generation: Show 4

3:30 pm Aging Boldfully: Roberta Trahan

4:30 pm Veterans' Call: Tune It Out

5:30 pm Franklin Matters: Cemetery Tour

7:30 pm FM Journal October 2026

9:00 pm CoF_LucyKaplansky_091926

• Franklin Pride TV - Our Educational Channel        (Comcast 8, Verizon 28) = Thursday

7:30 am     Winning Ways with the MIAA: Referee Shortage 2

8:30 am Jazz Cafe 03-06-26

10:30 am FHS Varsity Field Hockey v Uxbridge 10-03-26

12:30 pm FHS Winter Music: Band and Wind Ensemble

2:00 pm ArtWeek: Theater in the Open

3:00 pm FHS Boys Varsity Soccer v Canton 09-30-26

6:30 pm Franklin History: Tommaso Juglaris

9:00 pm FHSTC: Curious Case of the Cottingley Fairies

• Franklin Town Hall TV - Our Government Channel (Comcast 9, Verizon 29) = Thursday

8:00 am Conservation Commission 10-08-26

11:00 am Joint Budget Subcommittee 10-07-26

2:00 pm Conservation Commission 10-08-26

7:30 pm Zoning Board of Appeals 10-15-26 CHAMBERS 944 7621 6730

Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online  http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf   

Watch Listen Read all things that matter in Franklin MA

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Wednesday, October 14, 2026 ???

Wednesday, October 14

1:00pm     Writer's Group (Franklin Senior Center)

4:00pm 7th Annual Pumpkin Patch (St John's Episcopal Church)

6:00pm France 2027 Travel Presentation (La Cantina Winery)

6:30pm Franklin Elks Bingo Night (Franklin Elks Lodge #2136)

7:00pm Smarty Pants Trivia (Raillery Public House)

7:30pm The Skin of our Teeth (Dean College Main Stage Theater)

***  Town Meetings today ***

Charles River Pollution Control Meeting

Wednesday, October 14, 2026   Time = 3:00 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_10142026-2561 

Board of Assessors Regular Meeting

Wednesday, October 14, 2026  Time = 5:00 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_10142026-2562 

Town Council Meeting

Wednesday, October 14, 2026  Time = 6:00 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_10142026-2560 

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Find the full Community event calendar https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication: https://bit.ly/Submit2Calendar

The Town meeting calendar is found https://www.franklinma.gov/Calendar.aspx

The School district calendar is found https://franklinpublicschooldistrictma.sites.thrillshare.com/o/fpsd/page/school-calendar

3 items to add to the single vs. split tax rate discussion scheduled for the Town Council meeting Oct 14, 2026

In addition to the info brought forth by the FHS students for the tax rate discussion tonight at the Town Council meeting, I offer the following.

Item 1 

For the chart the students offered in the Comparison Report, I

1 - added the total assessed valuation per community

2 - sorted by the CIP%

3 - highlighted the exceptions in both sections of the sort

The same chart in PDF format

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MhtZaxxPYhk_2o35ETje_1G-7CLsfq0M/view?usp=drive_link

The Excel workbook used for this

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/118r4s31jOLdPMBJ_FuWj3XE47vhQ6WlI/edit?usp=drive_link&ouid=101938843903614700481&rtpof=true&sd=true

Item 2

Content in context is important. While the research produced the chart with 17 communities, what is the view across the Commonwealth? The Dept of Local Services has a great data bank to provide the info. 2026 was chosen as the data for 2027 is not fully populated across the 351. 2022 was chosen simply as the first year before the housing crunch from COVID.

In 2026, 129 of the 351 communities had split tax rates

In 2026, 37 had a CIP% less than 20%  (92 had more than 20%)

In 2022, 118 of the 351 communities had split rates

In 2022, 49 had a CIP% less than 20%  (70 had more than 20%)

Why the change in 4 years? Oh, the residential valuations have increased significantly more than the commercial valuations changing the ratio between the two.

Has the residential demand (or valuations) slowed down yet? Not likely given what we are seeing in the market.

Item 3

From the FY 2026 tax rate hearing (and decision to confirm the single rate as calculated)  

While it is regularly mentioned during the tax rate hearings, the move to a split rate does not add a single dollar to our revenue. All it does is shift the burden from one property class to another.

I'd also add, no matter the single or split rate, no matter the rate rising or falling, the tax bill is always going up.

Additional charts posted in Dec 2025

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/12/annual-tax-rate-hearing-for-fy-2026.html

The full agenda doc for the Town Council meeting October 14, 2026

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_10142026-2560

FHS Football Alumni Night scheduled for Thursday, Oct 15; recognizing 3 championship teams: 2021, 1971, & 1966

"Good morning everyone,

Not sure what your doing Thursday Friday night, but you should come down to Pisini Stadium at 6 PM to watch our 4-1 Franklin Varsity football team take on Attleboro. (Changed from Friday to Thursday due to the weather)

With a Franklin win they will have at least a share of the Kelley-Rex Championship.

It’s a special occasion as we celebrate Alumni Night, and we are hoping for a great turnout to cheer on our brothers in White. We’ll also be recognizing three remarkable teams and their milestones:

**2021 Kelley-Rex Champions 10-1**. (5 years)
Coach: Eian Bain
Captains: Cullen Pek, Mack Gulla, Shane Kindred, Ethan Aiello, Jared Arone & Joe Tirrell

**1971 Hockomock & State Champions 9-0**. (55 years)
Coach: Gerald Leone
Captains: Dave Blanchard, Ernie Miller, Kevin Hill & Fran Allen*

**1966 Hockomock & State Champions 9-0**. (60 years)
Coach: Gerald Leone
*Captains: Tom Cataldo & Artie McGuire*

This is a wonderful opportunity to connect with past players and show our support for the current team. Let’s make some noise and create an unforgettable atmosphere!

See you there! "

Tim M (97)

Washington Street School Raises Over $22,000 for American Heart Association, Awarded Heart of Gold Certificate

Washington Street School recently received a Heart of Gold Certificate from the American Heart Association (AHA) after raising $22,162 during the AHA Kids Heart Challenge.

On Thursday, Sept. 24, a representative from the AHA delivered the Heart of Gold Certificate to the Washington Street School for raising the sixth-highest donation amount of all participating schools in Massachusetts.

The AHA Kids Heart Challenge is a school-based program that teaches elementary school students heart-healthy habits and lifesaving skills, while collecting donations for children with heart conditions.

"I am incredibly proud to see our students recognized for their successful fundraising during the AHA Kids Heart Challenge," said Superintendent Lucas Giguere. "Being among the top 10 highest fundraising schools is truly impressive, and I'd like to thank our students and families for their generosity in supporting such an important cause. We are grateful to have received the Heart of Gold Certificate.”

The top 10 participating schools in the state are awarded certificates. Schools are recognized based on their engagement and impact in the Kids Heart Challenge, including the total funds raised, number of students involved and activities incorporated into physical education and health classes.

All Washington Street School students participated in the challenge through classroom programming, and 230 families donated to the challenge. 

During the program, which ran from Feb. 9-23, students practiced heart-healthy forms of exercise such as jump rope during physical education class. In health class, students learned about the anatomy and functions of the heart, CPR and components of fitness.

“I look forward to watching our students continue to practice the heart-healthy habits they learned during the program,” said K-2 Principal Stefani Wasik. “Caring for your own health and the health of others is an important lesson our students will carry with them as they move through life. We are proud to teach these values early on at Washington Street School, and are excited to see our students grow as they work these habits into their daily lives.”

Students also participated in various challenges available on the Kids Heart Challenge Website. The school tracked donations and awarded prizes to students throughout the challenge period.

"We are so proud of our students for taking part in this program, and we hope they are proud of themselves, as well," said 3-5 Principal Evan Chelman. “We want to thank our physical education and health teachers, who incorporated the Kids Heart Challenge into the curriculum in a fun and engaging way for our students. Through their hard work, our students had the opportunity to learn skills that have lifelong benefits, participate in challenges and raise money for a great cause during the Kids Heart Challenge”